HIV This Week

Zablotska I, Gray RH, Serwadda D, et al. Alcohol use before sex and HIV acquisition: a longitudinal study in Rakai, Uganda. AIDS 2006;20: 1191-96

The authors examined the association between alcohol use before sex and incident HIV in a population-based cohort in Rakai, Uganda, between 1994 and 2002. In 6791 men and 8084 women they found that HIV incidence was 1.4/100 person-years and 1.5/100 person-years, respectively. After controlling for sociodemographic and behavioural factors, the relative risks for HIV when one partner consumed alcohol before sex were 1.67 (95% CI 1.17–2.40) among men, and 1.40 (95% CI 1.02–1.92) among women. When both partners consumed alcohol, the relative risks were 1.58 (95% CI 1.13–2.21) among men, and 1.81 (95% CI 1.34–2.45) among women. Alcohol use was significantly associated with inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners in both sexes. The authors conclude that alcohol use before sex increases HIV acquisition, and a reduction of alcohol use should be incorporated into HIV prevention programmes.